Malaysian ICT security agency CyberSecurity Malaysia said a new agreement signed in Dubai between computer emergency response teams in the Asia Pacific and the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation was another step forward in collaborative cyber security efforts.

CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Lt Col (Retired) Prof Dato' Husin Jazri announced that a memorandum has been signed between the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation - Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT) during the OIC-CERT annual conference and annual general meeting held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

"The cooperation with APCERT is another achievement by the OIC-CERT," said Husin, speaking on 8 November 2011."Both parties agreed to collaborate on initiatives to address cyber threats and incidents in making cyberspace more reliable, safe and trustworthy".

"Among the initiatives that both parties have agreed to on a 'best effort' basis are to exchange information about the current and future developments among the members of the two groups," he said. "In addition, both parties will conduct joint cyber exercises, exchange information, participate in each other's seminars and conferences, as appropriate and whenever possible, as well as cooperate in projects that have relevant context as per mutual agreement by both parties."

"The Internet ecosystem faces significant challenges and we need to start thinking of solving the problems at a global level and using strategies and approaches that work to improve the ecosystem," said APCERT chair, Urie Ito. "This memorandum of understanding [MoU] is significant for APCERT members to jointly work with OIC-CERT members and to address global efforts required to solve common cyber security challenges. Through networking, members of both organisations will improve their ability to respond to new threats and vulnerabilities across continents and political boundaries."

The OIC-CERT, which was established in June 2005, comprises of 22 teams and two professional members from 18 OIC countries. Similarly, the APCERT membership consists of 27 CERTs and CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams) from 18 economies in the Asia Pacific region.

Collaborative global efforts

"This year's theme, 'Understanding and Combating Cyber Crimes' augurs well with the efforts of the OIC-CERT to address the issues of cyber related crimes through collaborative efforts among members and regional cooperation as evidenced by the MoU concluded between the OIC-CERT and APCERT," said CyberSecurity Malaysia chairman, General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Panglima Mohd. Azumi bin Mohamed (Retired).

During the annual general meeting, CyberSecurity Malaysia was re-elected for another term of two years as chair of the OIC-CERT.